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Report: Federal prosecutor issues warning to Cuomo administration

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan has its eyes on Governor Andrew Cuomo and his administration over the disbanding of the Moreland Commission, a group put together by the governor to investigate corruption in state government.

Last week, the New York Times reported that aides to Cuomo stepped in to keep the commission from investigating groups with links to the governor.

On Thursday, the New York Times reported that U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara sent a letter to an attorney for the Moreland Commission, warning that his office could investigate the administration for obstruction of justice or witness tampering, and needs to know if any of that happened.

Concerns were raised after Cuomo defended himself against the allegations Monday, on the same day that members of the commission started coming out publicly to say that they were able to work independently, and were not influenced by Cuomo aides.

According to the Times, one portion of the letter sent Wednesday reads: “To the extent anyone attempts to influence or tamper with a witness’s recollection of events relevant to our investigation, including the recollection of one of the commission’s employees, we request that you advise your office immediately, as we must consider whether such actions constitute obstruction of justice or tampering with witnesses that violate federal law.”

The Cuomo administration did not respond to the New York Times for comment.